Hosted by:
NOV 3 – 5
Contact: beyond@gbsn.org
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Join Us at GBSN Beyond 2025 in Accra, Ghana!
GBSN Beyond 2025: Entrepreneurs, Enterprises, & Ecosystems will be held in Accra, Ghana November 3-5, 2025 and hosted by Ashesi University, with the November 3 GBSN Members Meeting hosted by CEIBS Africa.
From micro-enterprises to multinationals, grassroots cooperatives to government agencies, family-owned firms to publicly traded companies, and tourism ventures to technology hubs—Accra’s dynamic economy thrives on diversity. Each organization plays a vital role in driving innovation, employment, and sustainable growth, making the city a fitting backdrop for this year’s GBSN Beyond conference.
Join global leaders in education, industry, and policymaking as we explore how universities and business schools can serve as catalysts for entrepreneurial success and economic transformation. Together, we’ll tackle pressing questions like:
- How can institutions collaborate to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and networks to launch and scale businesses?
- What multi-sector strategies will help organizations refine business models, connect with investors, and thrive in evolving markets?
- How can we shape the broader ecosystem through policy and partnerships to ensure long-term prosperity?
Immerse yourself in this transformative experience as we work together to advance our shared mission: to strengthen the contributions of management education to the development needs of society.
What is GBSN Beyond?
GBSN Beyond isn’t just another conference—it’s a transformative experience that pushes the boundaries of what business education can achieve in our interconnected world. This groundbreaking event brings together diverse voices from across the globe to catalyze collaboration and drive meaningful societal impact.
Why Attend GBSN Beyond?
When you join us at GBSN Beyond, you become part of a powerful movement that:
Creates Pathways for Impactful Collaboration
Discover new partners and forge relationships that extend beyond the conference walls. GBSN Beyond generates tangible opportunities for institutions to combine strengths and work together toward positive societal change.
Breaks Geographic Barriers
Experience a truly global perspective as we connect a more geographically diverse network of schools than ever before. Your institution will gain insights from regions and contexts previously untapped in traditional business education circles.
Positions Business Schools as Societal Catalysts
Be at the forefront of redefining the role of business education. GBSN Beyond places business schools at the crucial intersection of business, government, and civil society—elevating your institution’s influence and impact.
Harnesses the Power of Local Context
Turn theory into practice by grounding global business challenges in local realities. Learn how contextual understanding creates more effective and sustainable solutions to our most pressing problems.
Beyond Boundaries
GBSN Beyond represents a fundamental shift from sharing “what we do” to imagining “what we could do” when we combine our experiences, resources, and knowledge. This is your opportunity to be part of a community that’s pushing past traditional limitations—beyond geography, beyond academic disciplines, and beyond sectors.
Join us and discover what lies beyond the boundaries of business education as we know it today.
Enhance Your Experience at GBSN Beyond
This year, Marketplace Simulations is offering a special opportunity to attendees at GBSN Beyond. On November 6, GBSN Beyond attendees are invited to join a one-day workshop to discover how to turn your classroom into an entrepreneurial launchpad with a new venture simulation.
Abstract
Adding a venture simulation can be a game-changer for your school’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It can give students a holistic vision of a new venture and the skills they need to make it a success. In this one-day workshop, you will learn how to design and deliver a simulation experience that will transform students into entrepreneurial enthusiasts with the skills to launch their business ideas. You will discover which factors to consider when choosing a simulation, best practices to create maximum impact in your classroom, and the role of the instructor as entrepreneurial coach. Â
An expert team of experienced coaches will guide you as you:
- Play the Venture Strategy simulation like a student
- Experience coaching strategies that elevate learning
- Share stories and insights with faculty who care as much as you do
- Leave with fresh tools – and a clear sense of purpose
Training Faculty
The entrepreneurial workshop will be guided by Ernie Cadotte, Ph.D., Author and CEO of Marketplace Simulations, and Emeritus Professor of Innovative Learning, University of Tennessee and Bindu Agrawal, Ph.D., Visiting Professor, Manav Rachna University, India and Marketplace Distributor and Collaborator. Several other educators with extensive simulation experience from Africa and around the world will join the training program.
Background
More than 1,500,000 students and executives have participated in one of Marketplace’s entrepreneurial simulations. The recommended pedagogy that will be introduced during the workshop can be found in the following Journal of Entrepreneurship article, How to use Simulation Games in the Classroom? and in the AACSB article Simulations Spark Engagement and Real Learning.
For those wanting entrepreneurs to learn about social responsibility, consider the training guidelines in the AACSB article, The Practice of Conscious Leadership. Marketplace’s Conscious Capitalism Simulation recently won the Silver Medal at the International Serious Play Awards.
Speaker Proposals
If you are interested in submitting a proposal for a session at GBSN Beyond 2025, please contact us at beyond@gbsn.org for more information.
About This Year’s Location
Accra, the bustling capital city of Ghana, is a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends rich history with modern urban life. Nestled along the Gulf of Guinea, Accra is characterized by its lively markets, such as the famous Makola Market, colorful street art, and a diverse culinary scene that reflects the country’s cultural heritage. The city boasts historical landmarks like Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre for Panafrican Culture, and Osu Castle, alongside contemporary attractions such as the busy Osu district, where visitors can explore trendy shops, cafes, and nightlife. With its warm climate and friendly locals, Accra offers a unique and welcoming atmosphere for both residents and travelers alike.
